400 small block

Shane 3662 · Veteran Member

400 small block

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

The 400 small block was a 2+2 option in 1970. I have had the good fortune of being along in a 400 equipped 2+2 and torque is there on demand. The good General decided to use it in place of the 396, that should tell you something.

hawkeye5766 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Nothing wrong with a 400 sb, used to race them all the time. There is a better block with higher nickle content, just can't remember casting #. Will see if I can remember or find.

Shane 3662 · Veteran Member

Beautiful. Thanks guys.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

On second thought just get a 454 out of a one ton truck, likely you can get a running truck for $1,000 or less. You know the 454 will directly bolt in, its actually 11 bolts in total last time I counted.

eeluddy · Uber Guru

400 SBC is a good choice if you can find one. I've been thinking of a LS or Vortec swap for my Laguna as I don't think I can find a 400.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

eeluddy wrote:
400 SBC is a good choice if you can find one. I've been thinking of a LS or Vortec swap for my Laguna as I don't think I can find a 400.

Just get a 454 out of a one ton truck, likely you can get a running truck for $1,000 or less. You know the 454 will directly bolt in, its actually 11 bolts in total last time I counted.

hawkeye5766 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Last 3 casting #'s are 511, happen to know a guy with 1 but your a long ways away.

Evil Stu · Member

www.kijiji.ca/v-engines-and-engine-parts/truro/pontiac-small-block-400-motor/1032384690

eeluddy · Uber Guru

73SC wrote:
eeluddy wrote:
400 SBC is a good choice if you can find one. I've been thinking of a LS or Vortec swap for my Laguna as I don't think I can find a 400.
Just get a 454 out of a one ton truck, likely you can get a running truck for $1,000 or less. You know the 454 will directly bolt in, its actually 11 bolts in total last time I counted.

I hear ya Ray. Seems to be the smart choice, but then I need a new rad, front coils,etc. I was thinking of more HP, and cutting weight with LS. Aluminum heads & intake are stock, etc. I'm tempted to go with plastic rear bumper as Im changing it due to dent & rust. Cant believe how heavy it is with that 5MPH Re-Bar. Takes 2 people to lift and carry. Forgot how heavy these smoggers became with all the new rules in "The Malaise Era" of the mid 70's. Mine still has the monster sized Catalytic 2 into 1 exhaust with a 2" pipe. Very sad

Shane 3662 · Veteran Member

Well, I got a great deal on a 400 sbc which I'll look at tomorrow. So the combo will be a 400 with a glide.

hawkeye5766 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Great! Planning a rebuild or just drop in?

Shane 3662 · Veteran Member

Total rebuild. I figure 400 hp / 400ft lbs torque should push me back in the seat. It's a heavy car and my wife MIGHT drive it once and awhile.

Shane 3662 · Veteran Member

So, I picked up the motor. Seller threw in a pair of heads with it. Casting is 462624. Now after doing some internet searching I'm under the impression that these heads are prone to cracking. So since I'm not building a 700 hp screamer I'm wonder if I should port do the valves etc or just go after market. Suggestions will help me because like I said, the heads didn't cost me anything

koolconvertible · Poncho Master!

Shane 3662 wrote:
So, I picked up the motor. Seller threw in a pair of heads with it. Casting is 462624. Now after doing some internet searching I'm under the impression that these heads are prone to cracking. So since I'm not building a 700 hp screamer I'm wonder if I should port do the valves etc or just go after market. Suggestions will help me because like I said, the heads didn't cost me anything

The casting number for the spare heads are listed as 350/400. Need to make sure correct heads and gaskets are used for the 400. As the bores were siamesed they had steam holes and passages to alleviate hot spots in the block. They are also externally balanced. Had one in a 65 parisienne. As big ray said. Bags of torque, surprised a lot of people who poo pooed the 400....and that was running straight LPG!